The Cervid Brucellosis Uniform Methods and Rules was initiated as a proactive effort to avoid the problems found with cervid tuberculosis in 1993. The document was developed by combining the Cattle and Bison brucellosis UM&R with the tuberculosis cervid UM&R and input from the cervid industry. The document was sent out for comment several times. At first it included State status requirements, change of ownership testing (for surveillance), and only included Brucella abortus. It is separate and apart from the cattle and bison program. The major points of the current version which was approved by the USAHA brucellosis committee in November, 1995, are included below. The UM&R will be incorporated into the program when the tests have been validated in each cervid species.

Adjacent Herd - A herd of animals susceptible to brucella that borders an affected herd, or a herd of animals susceptible to brucella that occupies a premise of a previously affected herd.

Animals - Cervidae, Cattle, Bison, or hoofed livestock susceptible to brucella.

Brucellosis - An infectious disease caused by Brucella species

Brucellosis Monitored Cervid Herd - A range herd with identification records and testing on animals over 6 months of age to detect infection at a 2% prevalence level.

Brucellosis Monitored Cervid Herd - To be eligible, animals over 6 months of age must be tested at an approved laboratory and identification must be maintained. Enough animals in the herd must be tested to detect infection at a 2% prevalence level with 95% confidence evenly distributed over a 3-year period.

Certified Brucellosis-Free Cervid Herd-definition - A herd that has qualified for and has been issued a Certified Brucellosis-Free Cervid Herd certificate.

Certified Brucellosis-Free Cervid Herd Qualifying Methods - Three complete negative herd tests on all animal 6 months of age or older 9 to 15 months apart.

Certified Brucellosis-Free Cervid Herd Conditions - The herd is certified for 24 months. Recertification requires a negative herd test between 21 and 27 months after the last certification date.

Cervidae - All species of cervidae raised under confinement for Agricultural, sport, or exhibition and all captured cervidae.

Cervid Dealer - All persons engaged in buying or selling cervids. Does not include breeding operations.

Cervid Surveillance Identification (CSI) Program - Surveillance through identification and blood testing of eligible animals moving interstate.

Official Cervid Identification - A permanent, unique VS approved identification device that conforms to the National Uniform Eartagging System and is usually placed in the right ear.

Surveillance Procedures- Testing

Interstate Movement- All sexually intact cervids 6 months of age or older must be tested within 30 days prior to movement, except those from Certified Herds.

Surveillance Procedures- Testing

Slaughter Establishment- All test eligible animals will be sampled and tested at slaughter.

Identifying Tested Animals - CSI Tests- All animals tested under the CSI program must be officially identified to the herd of origin.

Identifying Tested Animals - Herd Tests- All animals included in a herd blood test must be officially identified at the time of sampling.

Official Brucellosis Cervid Tests (pending validation)

Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen (BAPA)

Card

Standard Agglutination (SPT, STT)

Complement Fixation (CF)

Rivanol

Traceback of Test positive animals - All CSI reactors will be traced to identify all contacts back to the herd of origin.

Investigation following Tracebacks - All herds will be investigated and if infection is suggested the herd will be quarantined pending a negative herd test.

Affected Herd Procedures - All sexually intact animals in an affected herd are considered to be exposed and must be confined under quarantine. Testing for release of quarantine must be specified in an approved herd plan.

Quarantine release requires a minimum of 2 negative herd tests. The first test must be at least 30 days after the last reactor has been removed. The second test must be at least 180 days after the last reactor has been removed. A post quarantine test is required 6 to 12 months after release.

Identification of Restricted animals - Reactors, suspects or exposed animals must be identified with a reactor eartag and a hip brand OR they may move directly to slaughter in a sealed vehicle. (Hazing is allowed in Alaska).

We currently have an elk and a red deer herd affected with brucellosis in the United States. Two additional deer herds are being investigated. The test validation criteria is being developed and data is being gathered for analysis. The Cervid brucellosis UM&R will be implemented by species as the tests are validated.